Should I remove my texture implants?

Question

I have texture implants for 10 years. Should I remove them since they are being recalled due to risk of cancer? I don’t have any symptoms. But I’m considering the risk of having them exchanged to smooth wall implants or just keeping them for few more years. How long do breast implants usually last? Which implants have low risk of capsular contraction? Currently i have 435cc, can I downsize my implants to 300?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The FDA has not recommended removal or replacement of textured breast implants or tissue expanders in asymptomatic patients. As of this date, the BIA-ALCL risk appears to be very small. Women will be tested only if they show symptoms. 
Allergan will allow you to swap the textured implants for smooth ones, but it does not cover the surgery costs (board certified plastic surgeon, board certified anesthesiologist, surgery center fees, supplies, bra, etc.) However, many PSs are offering discounts on the surgery costs. Replacing 435cc implants with 300cc implants will be more involved than a mere exchange.
With proper monitoring (self-exams, physician exams), you do not need to automatically replace your implants every 10 years unless you have issues with them.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good afternoon!
The current FDA recommendations regarding textured implants are that if the patient is asymptomatic then they do not have to be removed. On the other hand, many patients with textured Allergan devices CHOOSE to have them removed for peace of mind. Allergan will provide a set of smooth silicone implants for free, and I think they work very well!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Beautyispain123,
I recommend my patients to replace implants every 10 years in order to reduce the chance of complications. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  As you are not having symptoms you need not replace or remove your implants, but if for peace of mind you certainly can.  With a sizable reduction in implant size, you most likely will need some pocket work to be done to reduce its dimensions, but this can be done.  Hope this helps.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are not having any issues with your implants and are happy with the size, then leave them. However, if you want to be smaller, you might consider going with the smooth implants. The textured implants of one particular company on the shelves were recalled, but not all textured implants and not those inside ladies. The average lifespan of the bag is 10 to 20 years, but I have seen 40 year old saline implants that were doing well.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is recommended to have the implants removed if they are causing issues or you are experiencing symptoms.  If not, it is optional whether you would feel more comfortable replacing your current implants with smooth implants.  There is no specific time frame that implants "last" but after several years it is not uncommon that women prefer a different sized implant, or perhaps desire a lift.  I welcome you to visit us in our Houston office for a consultation to learn more.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Leonard Harris, MD · Answer

Hi
The risk of developing ALCL is about 1:3000 cases.  The cancer develops surrounding the implant and capsular tissue,
Current recommendations are to observe (MRI or Ultrasound) and if there is fluid surrounding the imant to aspirate and test for ALCL.
If positive then capsulectomy and explant.  If negative then repeat every 2 yrs.
If you have problems with your implants such as pain, capsular contractures, BII symptoms, then capsulectomy and explant are good options.
I would not just replace textured implants with smooth unless a total capsulectomy was performed as there have been cases of ALCL after this was done - you need to remove the capsular tissue as this is were the lymphoma develops.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

The average life expectancy of the silicone gel implants are 10 years. You do not need to change them emergently but it is a good idea to check with your surgeon about replacement.

Should I remove my texture implants?

Answers (8)

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